The 2017 In Violas (Merlot) is soft, plummy and ready to go. Succulent dark cherry, leather, tobacco, spice and earthy tones meld together in this expressive Cortona Merlot. A host of earthy, ferrous notes add character on the finish.
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Founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti, the Poliziano estate is a perfect example of how a relentless quest for perfection has achieved remarkable results. Starting with only 54 acres in the commune of Montepulciano, the estate has now grown to over 640 acres under the direction of Dino’s son, Federico Carletti. While Carletti’s children—Francesco and Maria Stella—who represent the next generation are diligently studying to assume roles in the business, Carletti avidly keeps an eye on the future of their winery. He is an agronomist, but he prefers to think of himself as a farmer because he is convinced that great wines originate in the vineyard. In addition to his superior knowledge of the vineyards, his enthusiasm for his land and creating a superior product are infectious.
Carletti’s work at Poliziano estate has always been focused on achieving perfection with as little intervention as possible. While this sounds counterintuitive—it has worked. Over the years, he has eliminated less favorably positioned sites and replanted where the soil and climate were optimal. The selection of clones—many from the estate’s own original plant material—the planting layouts, rootstock choices, pruning methods and training systems are all meticulously chosen. Dense plantings, but only up to a maximum of 2,000 plants per acre, are harvested parcel by parcel in every vintage at Poliziano. This is to pay respect to the different terroirs that exist in Montepulciano. Today, Poliziano produces more than 83,000 cases from about 400 organically farmed acres in Montepulciano, nearby Cortona and coastal Tuscany's Maremma region. Most of it is Sangiovese. Solar panels power more than 20% of the winery.
In the winery, the same attention to detail is in place, with multiple selections and the use of an optical sorter which allows for small-batch vinifications. However, for the top-end cuvees, Carletti prefers to rely on the human hand to sort. Wood regimes are chosen with an eye to preserving the fruit in the wine, not overpowering it. Multiple container sizes and varieties of oak complement each parcel that ages in the gravity-fed winery.
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LOCATIONWINERY: Montepulciano, Tuscany VINEYARD: Montepulciano, Tuscany; Cortona, Tuscany VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
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92
APRIL 2021
Poliziano “In Violas” Merlot Cortona DOC 2017
![]() The 2017 In Violas (Merlot) is soft, plummy and ready to go. Succulent dark cherry, leather, tobacco, spice and earthy tones meld together in this expressive Cortona Merlot. A host of earthy, ferrous notes add character on the finish. 92
MAY 2022
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018
![]() Aromas of cedar, toasted oak, violet and camphor come to the forefront on this savory red. On the concentrated but elegant palate, velvety tannins envelop ripe Morello cherry, fruitcake and licorice. Fresh acidity keeps it bright. Drink through 2026. 92
APRIL 2021
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2017
![]() The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is rich, deep and full of character. There’s not a ton of subtlety here, but to be honest, I don’t think that really matters. The 2017 is incredibly delicious and inviting. Black cherry, mocha, leather and cinnamon infuse this voluptuous, racy Vino Nobile with tons of character. 95
AUGUST 2020
Poliziano "Le Caggiole" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2017
![]() Lovely purity of fruit here with cherry, light chocolate and vanilla-pod undertones. Medium to full body, tight and integrated tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Best ever? Drink in 2022. 94
APRIL 2021
Poliziano “Le Stanze del Poliziano” Toscana IGT 2016
![]() The 2016 Le Stanze del Poliziano (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is filled with brambly dark fruit, leather, earthiness, sage, menthol and licorice. Bold and quite powerful, the 2016 packs a serious punch. I would give it a year or two to come together, as the fruit and tannin are imposing. This is another impressive showing from Poliziano. 95
FEBRUARY 2023
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone DOCG 95
![]() The 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone is intense with a bouquet of stone dust, dried violets, black currants and cocoa powder. This is elegance exemplified, velvety and soothing, yet energetic, with a dense wave of polished red and black fruits that wash across the palate, leaving minerals and sweet tannins to mingle toward the close. A subtle layer of sour citrus helps enliven the otherwise-structured finale as minty herbal tones slowly fade. The 2019 is a total darling and has the balance to mature beautifully in collectors’ cellars. 91
APRIL 2021
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018
![]() All charm, the 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dark cherry fruit, licorice, menthol, pine, tobacco and cedar add pretty aromatic nuances. This easygoing, mid-weight Vino Nobile has plenty to offer. 93
JUNE 2022
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2018
![]() A sumptuous wine with dark ruby color and spicy black cherry strawberry aromas with a hint of vanilla, savory black cherry, strawberry fruit with a bit of dark chocolate, crisp mouthwatering acidity, and chalky tannins. Prugnolo Gentile is Sangiovese’s name in Montepulciano. It is 85% of the blend with Colorino, Canaiolo, and Merlot providing 15%. It is aged for 18 to 20 months in various sizes of French oak containers, then 6 to 8 months in bottle. Poliziano, which was created in 1961 by Dino Carletti, produces more than 83,000 cases from about 400 organically farmed acres. |